TAKING CARE OF YOUR GARDEN

PROVERBS 24:30-34  NKJ 
30 I went by the field of the lazy man, 
And by the vineyard of the man devoid of understanding; 
31 And there it was, all overgrown with thorns; 
Its surface was covered with nettles; 
Its stone wall was broken down. 
32 When I saw it, I considered it well; 
I looked on it and received instruction: 
33 A little sleep, a little slumber, 
A little folding of the hands to rest; 
34 So shall your poverty come like a prowler, 
And your need like an armed man.  

It may appear that I have an issue with people not doing their job.  I do not.  I am surrounded by an excellent group of very hand working people.  But . . . I do pay attention when the Holy Spirit repeats certain topics or themes.  I see this in my own life and in the church.   

Here, in this passage, is a man who has some assets, a field and a vineyard.  Both are designed to produce, but neither are productive due to neglect.  And the neglect is a result of not understanding that inactivity and laziness lead to lack.  This lazy man had something to work with, but his priority was taking it easy, and that produced needs and poverty in his life.  He did not take care of his field and vineyard.  One thing about the book of Proverbs, it was written long before being 'woke' or politically correct ever came into vogue.   The intent is never to harm someone.  The purpose of the Proverbs is to help.  It's just that help can show up in a very straightforward manner.   

APPLICATION 

This application requires a willingness to be brutally honest with yourself.  Am I taking care of my own garden, the things that belong to me?  The scope of this question is broad.  Our 'garden' involves our relationships, careers, service to the Lord, physical and financial situations, and spiritual life.  If you are thinking, hey, I don't want to worry about these things; I want to take it easy.  Taking care of my garden sounds hard. I agree it's not the easy path.  But it is the best and most productive path.  And the path that keeps poverty and lack away from your door.